Perth Musicians Play the Songs of Cole Porter and Gershwin Brothers

Four of Perth’s finest musicians – vocalists Earl Cole, Jay Weston, Clara Helms, and pianist David Wickham – are teaming up to celebrate some of the greatest music ever written for one special night at Mosmans Restaurant.

The musicians will perform the songs of the Gershwin brothers and Cole Porter at this intimate dinner show on May 25. Together these songwriters created some of the most iconic music of all time. To hear it at the riverside restaurant, while enjoying a three-course feast, sounds sublime.

Tickets cost $129 per person, a steal for the three courses, bubbly on arrival, and all the entertainment. Book your place by calling the restaurant on (08) 9383 3388.

Image used with permission from Earl Cole

Lachy Doley Rejects “Pressure of the Cool” with New Single

Lachy Doley has created one of the most fun singles I’ve heard in ages with “Pressure of the Cool.”


Make sure you take notice of the lyrics as you listen to this joyful pop anthem about being yourself, no matter how socially unacceptable that may be. In a world full of gloomy emo tunes this upbeat song is a real sunny spot.

Sydneysiders who like what they hear can catch Lachy launching the track at Newtown’s Sandringham Hotel this Friday, April 29. Who needs the royal wedding right? This sounds like much more fun!

Barry Southgate Generates Major Buzz Ahead of “Epitome” EP Release

I had a massive response when I featured Barry Southgate’s debut single “Don’t You Think” here a few months ago. So I figured it was about time that I updated you on what Barry’s been up to.

It’s been a big couple of months for the former Australian Idol finalist. He recently took the stage in Sydney with Diafrix to support British rapper Tinie Tempah, and got the attention of music critics in Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and even Morocco!

The timing of all this attention couldn’t be more perfect, with Barry preparing to release his debut EP Epitome later this month. After being blown away with “Don’t You Think,” I can’t wait to hear the rest!

Image used with permission from Barry Southgate

Lest We Forget

It’s ANZAC Day, a time when we’re all stopping to reflect on the men and women who so bravely serve in the armed forces so that we can enjoy one of the best qualities of life in the Western world. It’s not just about those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, but the people who continue to bravely battle for freedom, who leave their partners, children, and parents behind so that the rest of us can enjoy the day to day privileges of being Australian.

This isn’t the time or place to get into an argument about whether it’s right that we continue to lose lives in Afghanistan, or send soldiers to wars that don’t seem like ours. It’s just a time to sit, contemplate, and give thanks.

In my opinion 1927 were one of the most underrated bands of the 80s and 90s. “Compulsory Hero” was one of those underappreciated songs that certainly holds up. Today its lyrics have some extra resonance. So listen, take it in, and take a moment to think of the soldiers. Lest we forget.

Dead Letter Chorus’ Dreamy New Single, “Yellow House”


Dead Letter Chorus have charmed me with their new single “Yellow House,” the third from their forthcoming self-produced effort album Yearlings.

I love the optimism of this tune, the way the voices swell together, joining with the organic instrumentation in some kind of celebration. It’s happy music, just what we need this Easter right?

If you’re digging it as much as I am, make sure you stay tuned for some local tour dates soon. The Sydney band are preparing to travel are travelling around the country this July ahead of their Canadian tour in October.

Image used with permission from Show off Services

Tonight Alive One to Watch

You might not know the name Tonight Alive yet, but just wait for it. The Sydney pop-punk quintet are generating some major buzz around the world for their energetic riffs and melodic sensibilities.

Their self-funded debut EP All Shapes and Disguises earned rave reviews last year, and they’re set to continue the trend with the release of their first long player. Tonight Alive have definitely stepped up to the big leagues now, having enlisted Mark Trombino (Blink 182, Jimmy World) to serve as producer.

You can get a taste of that disc with “Breaking & Entering.” If you like what you see here make sure you head to the band’s website, as the track is currently available for free download.

Calling All Cars Launch New Single, “Reptile”

After being holed up in a studio for most of the year, Calling All Cars are ready to unleash their new material.

“Reptile” is our first taste of the as yet-untitled album, the band’s follow-up to Hold, Hold, Fire! It’ll be released on May 1, and I hear it “shakes, rattles, and rolls like a cut snake!”

You can hear that tune and more when Calling All Cars launch the single with shows in the major capitals next month. After so much time in the studio, you can bet they’re itching to get out on stage. Prepare for a blistering set when the band hits the following venues.

27 May 2011 – Spectrum, Sydney
28 May 2011 – The Step Inn, Brisbane
3 June 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
10 June 2011 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Owl Eyes Tours “Raiders” EP

Charming chanteuse Owl Eyes is back with a brand new single, a new EP, and a new tour to celebrate the lot.

Owl Eyes will warm up the stage for Darwin Deez before setting out on her own shows to promote Raiders, the follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut EP, Faces. It sees her again joining forces with producer and songwriter Jan Skubiszewski. They made magic the first time, so we can only hope for something as exquisite when the EP hits stores in the coming months.

You can find out for yourself when Owl Eyes plays the following shows.

29 April 2011 – The Hi-Hi, Melbourne (supporting Darwin Deez)
5 May 2011 – The Zoo, Brisbane (supporting Darwin Deez)
10 May 2011 – The Metro, Sydney (supporting Darwin Deez)
11 May 2011 – Ben Sherman’s ‘Big British Sound’ @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne
20 May 2011 – “King Tito’s Dirty Disco” @ East End Bar, Fremantle
21 May 2011 – Malt Market Bar, Dunsborough
22 May 2011 – The Bird, Perth
27 May 2011 – Purple Sneakers Presents “CAN’T SAY” @ Miss Libertines, Melbourne
1 June 2011 – Otis Bar, Wollongong
2 June 2011 – Transit Bar, Canberra
3 June 2011 – Purple Sneakers Presents “LAST NIGHT” @ The Gaelic, Sydney
10 June 2011 – Esplanade Hotel Front Bar, St Kilda
18 June 2011 – Edinburgh Castle, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Shiny Entertainment

Georgia Fair’s New Film Clip, “Marianne”

You might remember me promising to post the video for Georgia Fair’s gorgeous new single “Marianne” once it was complete. Well I’m never one to go back on my word, so here it is. Just like the song, the clip is all very low key but gorgeously filmed, and it gives us an opportunity to see guest singer Lisa Mitchell’s new cropped do. Enjoy!

Sir Bob Geldof, Danielle Spencer, and Jon Stevens Play Charity Show in Sydney

Sir Bob Geldof will join locals Danielle Spencer and Jon Stevens for the Rock & Rebuild charity concert at Star City’s Lyric Theatre on May 1.

The event comes in the wake of recent disasters around the world. All monies raised by ticket sales and donations made on the night will benefit the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund and the Australian Red Cross’ Victoria Floods Appeal, New Zealand Earthquake Appeal, and Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Image source: International Monetary Fund Photograph/Stephen Jaffe/Wikimedia Commons